New $265M Frost Museum of Science Takes Shape in Downtown Miami

With the building’s structural foundation now complete, vertical construction on the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will now be underway. The 250,000 square-foot complex is a world-class, state-of-the-art facility designed by Grimshaw Architects that will take shape in the heart of downtown Miami.

With the building’s structural foundation now complete, vertical construction on the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is underway. The 250,000 square-foot complex is a world-class, state-of-the-art facility designed by Grimshaw Architects that will take shape in the heart of downtown Miami. Aiming to be among the world’s most innovative and sustainable science museums, the building will harness energy from water, sun, wind and even museum visitors to power exhibits and conserve resources.

“Now that progress on the new museum’s construction is visible, our community’s business, civic and philanthropic leaders have a tangible asset they can stand behind,” said Trish and Dan Bell, co-chairs of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. “By supporting our campaign, individuals and corporate donors are advancing one of Miami’s leading cultural and educational institutions. An investment in the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is an investment in Miami’s future, and we expect vertical construction to spur new excitement among our donor base.”

As construction of the new museum moves forward, private sector support is also growing. The museum has secured more than $70 million of its $100 million private fundraising goal, which will complement Miami-Dade County’s $165 million funding. In addition, the Museum enjoys a broad base of support from leading corporations such as American Express, AT&T, Best Buy, Cordis Corporation, Florida Power & Light Company, IBM, JP Morgan Chase, State Farm and Wells Fargo, which all provide grants for educational programs and events. The 2013 Galaxy Gala in March will offer the private sector additional opportunities to support the museum.

In addition to being an international center for learning and innovation, the new museum will also be an economic catalyst for Miami-Dade County. The 35-month construction period will employ upwards of 400 workers, with an average of 150 crew members on site at any given time. Following construction, the ongoing annual economic impact to the county is estimated at $95.4 million with a total of 914 jobs created.

According to an official release, approximately 7,000 cubic yards of concrete have been poured to complete the museum’s foundation, enough to fill the American Airlines Arena’s basketball court with a 40-foot high concrete slab. The museum’s development is progressing on schedule, with completion set for 2015.